Inside the lab: What the CEC TDG-F-113 test reveals about fuel performance

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A close side view of an engine installed on a test bed, with multiple cables, sensors, insulated pipes, and coolant hoses connected for measurement. Industrial equipment, ventilation ducting, and control units surround the setup inside the test cell.

10 Nov 2025

What happens when you put fuel to the test? Inside the industry’s go-to method for predicting injector performance, deposit build-up, and real-world engine efficiency.

Inside Intertek's fuels and lubricants lab in Milton Keynes, a controlled test is quietly shaping the future of cleaner, more efficient fuels. Known in the industry as the EA111 test, or officially as CEC TDG-F-113, it's one of the most widely used benchmarks for understanding how modern fuels and additives perform under real-world conditions.

Every run of the test helps manufacturers answer the same question: Can your fuel keep injectors clean and engines performing at their best?

What is CEC TDG-F-113 (EA111)?

Developed by the Coordinating European Council (CEC), the TDG-F-113 test measures how fuels behave in direct-injection petrol engines, particularly their tendency to form deposits on injectors.

The test uses a Volkswagen EA111 1.4 L engine as the reference platform and replicates real driving conditions, from temperature and load cycles to injection patterns, to see how deposit builds up over time.

By quantifying injector pulse width variation, the test provides an objective measure of cleanliness, helping R&D teams optimise detergency levels and fuel formulations.

Why injector cleanliness matters

Even the smallest deposits can alter spray patterns, reduce atomisation, and disrupt combustion. The result? Reduced power, higher emissions, and lower fuel economy.

CEC TDG-F-113 allows manufacturers to see these effects before fuels reach the market, and in the process, saving time, resources, and reputational risk. It's an early-warning system for real-world performance.

Why the EA111 test still matters today

Despite the shift towards electrification, internal combustion engines remain critical for global transport and so does the need for cleaner, more efficient fuels.

CEC TDG-F-113 continues to be the go-to reference for injector deposit control, widely trusted across Europe and beyond because of its reproducibility, long history of correlation, and relevance to modern fuels and additives.

Inside our Milton Keynes lab

Intertek's dedicated fuel and lubricant testing facility in Milton Keynes is one of only a few in the UK equipped and accredited to perform CEC TDG-F-113 testing.

Our engineers have decades of experience supporting fuel and additive developers, from test planning and setup, to data analysis and interpretation.

Our ISO 17025 accreditation ensures consistent, reliable results, while giving you the data you need to validate performance claims and meet OEM expectations.

What the data tells you

The CEC TDG-F-113 test provides measurable insights into:

Injector flow loss caused by deposit build-up
Detergency effectiveness of fuel formulations
Comparative performance across batches or brands

These results inform fuel design, additive optimisation, and compliance strategies, turning laboratory testing into tangible competitive advantage.

At Intertek, every test run is about more than data — it's about confidence. Confidence that your fuel will perform exactly as promised.

Get in touch with us today to find out more about CEC TDG-F-113 (EA111) testing or download our fact sheet.

A front view of an automotive engine test cell showing a mounted engine connected to a large dynamometer. Overhead cables and ventilation ducts run across the ceiling, with control panels and industrial equipment lining the walls in a clean, enclosed test environment.

A close side view of an engine installed on a test bed, with multiple cables, sensors, insulated pipes, and coolant hoses connected for measurement. Industrial equipment, ventilation ducting, and control units surround the setup inside the test cell.

Georgi Nachev

Propulsion Fluids Test Manager, Intertek Milton Keynes, UK

Georgi Nachev leads our propulsion fluids testing services at Intertek’s Tanners Drive site in Milton Keynes, helping clients validate fuels, additives, and lubricants for modern combustion engines.

With a master’s degree in Automotive Engineering from Loughborough University and deep experience in engine development, Georgi brings a practical understanding of advanced gasoline systems and heavy-duty diesel platforms.

At Intertek, he’s focused on delivering precise, reliable test programmes that support innovation, reduce time to market, and meet the evolving demands of global OEMs. Backed by our world-class facilities and technical team, Georgi works closely with clients to turn complex testing needs into actionable results.